“The U.S. Census Bureau today released new features for American FactFinder, an online data tool that allows users to access a variety of Census Bureau statistics, including decennial, American Community Survey and economic census statistics. The new features include a simplified main page design, the option for a guided search and an enhanced community facts tool, providing options for both novice and advanced data users.”–From the website. Also, links on the page to web pages that have specific informatin about the new features.

“Becoming a successful entrepreneur, however, is not an easy task. It requires skill, motivation, hard work, and good luck. It also requires information in large measure. The would-be business person stands on the brink of a new future with a thousand questions that need answers. The Entrepreneur’s Reference Guide to Small Business Information was originally compiled by business reference specialists at the Library of Congress to help beginners (and established business owners who keep meeting new problems) find sources that can guide them to the right questions and the best answers. “–From the website.

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has developed an interactive state and county map application available at http://beta.bls.gov/maps/cew/us. The application displays geographic economic data through maps, charts, and tables, allowing users to explore employment and wage data of private industry at the National, State, and county level. Throughout this application, URLs are specific to the data displayed, so links can be bookmarked, reused, and shared.”–From the Introduction on the BLS Website.

This site provides a calendar for upcoming webinars from all around the web. Anyone can submit a calendar listing and webinars listed are open to the public. Most are free and a wide variety of topics are covered.

A few of this week’s options: “Against the Odds: Recession Proof Marketing Tips for Your Business;” “Tax Deduction for Green Building;” “3 Ways to Improve Multi-Tasking.”

“The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) makes available the authentic version of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama, on GPO’s Federal Digital System (FDsys). GPO also authenticates the document by digital signature. This signature assures the public that the document has not been changed or altered. A digital signature, viewed through the GPO Seal of Authenticity, verifies the document’s integrity and authenticity.”–From GPO Press Release.

The United States House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Web Site provides this Summary Overview of the Conference Report for the Economic Stimulus Act, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. There is also a more detailed summary available.

The next Tennessee State Tax Holiday is August 1-3, 2008. Here is information on what is tax free in Tennessee and other information on the holiday. Also, the Federation of Tax Administrators offers a 2008 State Sales Tax Holidays page which lists the date of the first year a state held a tax holiday and then the 2008 dates, as well as links to the appropriate state agency overseeing the tax holiday.

As of July 1, 2008, all Tennessee locksmiths will need to be licensed by the state. Use the link above to read details of this new program, get an application, find out about training, or view contact information.

docstoc is a new website that allows users to upload and download all types of professional documents. For free! Users must create a profile to upload or download files, but anyone can browse. This might be a good place to look for templates, business plans, personal finance tools, forms, and educational outlines. Just be aware that it is difficult to authenticate the source of most materials available on the site…

This is a really handy site that allows you to get the ‘skinny’ on any zip code. Type in the zip code you’re interested in and get a quick demographic profile. In addition, you will see comparisons to surrounding zip codes and an option to directly compare up to 20 different areas. This can be a great resource for people starting a business or organization!

Do you love to shop? If so, you may be tempted by unsolicited emails or newspaper ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper by dining at elegant restaurants, shopping at pricey stores, or checking into luxurious hotels. But, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, marketers who promise lucrative jobs as mystery shoppers often do not deliver bona fide opportunities.

Work.com has produced a series of over 1,000 How-To Guides that cover everything an entrepreneur should know about various business needs. Sections include: Employees, Government, Internet and ECommerce, Legal, Management, Money and Finance, Operations, Sales & Marketing, Start-Up, and Technology.

This site provides Memphis Market Data as compiled by the Commercial Appeal. It includes information on specific industry markets, quick facts on the Memphis market, and an overview of key Memphis communities. It also has a nice color ZIP code map with household income information.